compliance

[ kuhm-plahy-uhns ]

noun

1. the act of conforming, acquiescing, or yielding.
2. a tendency to yield readily to others, especially in a weak and subservient way.
3. conformity; accordance:

   in compliance with orders.

4. cooperation or obedience:

   Compliance with the law is expected of all.

5. Physics.
   1. the strain of an elastic body expressed as a function of the force producing the strain.
   2. a coefficient expressing the responsiveness of a mechanical system to a periodic force.

compliance

/ kəmˈplaɪəns /

noun

1. the act of complying; acquiescence
2. a disposition to yield to or comply with others
3. a measure of the ability of a mechanical system to respond to an applied vibrating force, expressed as the reciprocal of the system's stiffness C

Other Words From

• over·com·pliance noun
• precom·pliance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of compliance¹

First recorded in 1635–45; comply + -ance

Example Sentences

This makes sense for Musk, who wanted to retain control of his myriad companies while simultaneously providing input on all the regulators that contract with and ensure legal compliance from SpaceX, Tesla, and Neuralink.

From Slate

A recent investigation triggered by the federal corruption case against former Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas found significant problems in the county’s contracting process, prompting investigators to recommend a new ethics and compliance officer and other measures to prevent conflicts of interest.

From Los Angeles Times

She is calling for stronger measures to ensure compliance.

From BBC

The smartest thing that short-listers can do right now is demonstrate that they’ll abandon any views that don’t align with Trump’s agenda, proving their lockstep compliance with the boss.

From Slate

"I was wearing a surgical-style face mask - in compliance with store policy, with Welsh government legislation as well," Mr Daniels said.

From BBC

Related Words

• conformity
• consent